Dallas, Texas – Canada suffered its first loss at the 2024 U18 Women’s Softball World Cup, falling 9-1 to Team USA in their second game of Group C play on Friday. 

Team USA struck early, launching a three-run homer in the top of the first inning. They added another run on a wild pitch before Canada managed to halt the momentum with a pop-up caught by shortstop Avery Porter (Katy, Tex.) to end the inning. 

In the top of the third, Canada secured the first out on a ground ball to Porter. However, Team USA quickly added some base runners with a single up the middle, an intentional walk, and another single that brought in a run. With runners on first and second, a single to center field led to a play at home plate where Canada secured their second out. Despite this effort, USA capped the inning with a two-run ground-rule double, extending their lead to 7-0. 

Canada responded in the bottom of the fourth when Jana Want (Stoney Creek, Ont.) smashed a solo home run over the left-field fence, putting Canada on the scoreboard. 

The Canadian defense tightened up in the fourth and fifth innings, holding Team USA scoreless. However, in the sixth inning, USA added two more runs. After a bunt single and a hit to left field, Canada recorded the second out on a fly ball to left fielder Avery Tucker (Milton, Ga.). A double then drove in the final two runs of the game. 

In their last chance at the plate in the bottom of the sixth, Canada was unable to rally and ultimately fell to Team USA with a final score of 9-1. 

Chloe Hocquard (Kitchener, Ont.) started in the circle for Canada, pitching 2.2 innings, allowing nine hits, two walks, and striking out three. Rylee Rupple (Maple Ridge, B.C.) came in as relief, pitching 3.1 innings, giving up four hits, no walks, and striking out three. 

Box Score: USA 9, Canada 1 

Team Canada will look to bounce back today, Saturday, August 31, with a doubleheader. They’ll face Ireland at 12:30 p.m. local time (1:30 p.m. EDT) and the Philippines at 3:30 p.m. local time (4:30 p.m. EDT).